Roger Williams University Offering Shellfish Farming Course

The Roger Williams University Center for Economic and Environmental Development is now enrolling students for Applied Shellfish Farming, a non-credit course offered during the winter/spring semester that teaches both aspiring shellfish farmers and aquaculture professionals the ins and outs of growing oysters, quahogs and other shellfish species commercially.

The 14-week program, led by Dale Leavitt, aquaculture extension specialist and associate professor of biology at Roger Williams University, is designed to aid new and experienced shellfish farmers in growing shellfish farming enterprises in Rhode Island and Southeast New England.

Topics in the course include: an overview of shellfish farming, shellfish biology, farm site selection, the permitting process and regulatory aspects of securing and maintaining a lease, an overview of shellfish nursery and grow-out systems, risk management strategies, other technical aspects of shellfish farming, and business and marketing management advice. Leavitt complements the class with mentoring and site visits, remains in contact with many participants, and advises shellfish farmers internationally.

The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) considers the course an unofficial requirement for prospective shellfish farmers. Aspects of the course are also required for individuals wishing to apply for a Recreational Aquaculture Permit in Rhode Island (Those classes marked with an asterisk below – for more information about this permit, contact Leavitt at dleavitt@rwu.edu).

The course will be held at the University’s Bristol campus on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The introductory class will be on Monday, Jan. 11, with the remaining classes continuing on Tuesdays through April 26. The fee for the course is $125 per student, which includes all class materials. Alternatively, interested participants may attend the classes on a drop-in basis for $10 per class.

Pre-registration is preferred by contacting Cheryl Francis at (401) 254-3110 or cfrancis@rwu.edu. For more information about the course and a NOAA-funded effort to expand the reach of this course in 2017 through online sessions, visit www.rismp.org/topics/aquaculture/.

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